Ishwar Pandey is the latest member of Indian Cricket Team. His selection was announced yesterday for New Zealand Tour of Team India, making him, the first player  first player in 18 years from Madhya Pradesh. He would play both Test ODI cricket matches during the 1 month tour starting on 19th January.
Ishwar Pandey, during his South Africa Tour
In 2007, Ishwar Pandey accompanied his friend to watch the selection trials for Under-17 divisional cricket team at his hometown Rewa. Unexpectedly, he got the chance in the trials held at Rewa University ground.
Later he was invited by a local club to play for them, but he turned down the offer as his father wanted him to become doctor.
His father, a retired subedar-major, wanted him to become a doctor but he took up cricket and made it big during his Under-19 days. Later, he got selected to the university team .
Pandey made his debut in domestic cricket in November 2007 when he was selected for MP Under-19 team. Though his performance was not remarkable, it impressed  former International player Amay Khurasia and he took him to MRF Pace Academy in Chennai for training.
In Ranji Trophy-2012 he performed outstandingly by scrapping 48 wickets for Madhya Pradesh. Later he took five wickets in the two matches in his maiden India ‘A’ tour to South Africa.
On December 31st, his name was announced in the Team India for Test and ODI Matches in New Zealand.
It was a celebration time in Rewa today with congratulatory messages pouring in for Pandey, who though chose to concentrate on challenges ahead.
Pandey’s main weapon is his outswingers, an art which was honed by South African great Allan Donald during a month-long stint in the IPL team — Pune Warriors — this year.
“I always like to bowl outswings but it was during my stint in Pune Warriors, I improved on it. He (Donald) really worked on my outswingers. I’m really thankful to him,” said Pandey.
He also credited legendary Aussie duo of Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath at the MRF Pace Foundation for bringing out the best in him.
“I learnt a lot from them, it was really a dream for me to bowl under the tutelage of McGrath, whom I consider my bowling idol, apart from Kapil Dev.”
The six-foot-two-inch frame Pandey, who bowls regularly at 130kph, further said he’s not going to cut down on his speed.
“I’m sure the conditions in New Zealand will aid pace bowling. I’m not going to compromise on my pace while bowling in the right areas,” he insisted.
It was his coach Aril Anthony who stood behind him and Pandey was all praise for his mentor.
“It’s all because of him I became a cricketer. He really supported me well and I’m proud to have lived up to his expectation,” a humble Pandey added.